Nigeria’s unity dependent on proper management of its diversity – Anyaoku 

Former Secretary-General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku on Thursday said Nigeria can only remain one if it manages its diversity well.

Anyaoku spoke in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State during the commissioning of the Emeka and Bunmi Anyaoku Foundation Centre, consisting a library and museum at his Obosi country home, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State.

The elderstatesman who marked his 91 years anniversary, thanked God for attaining the age, noting that all he acquired for the 34 years he put up as a civil servant was vested in the building.

He stated that he and his wife, Bunmi, founded a foundation, ‘Emeka and Bunmi Anyaoku foundation centre in October 2008, that avails scholars, researchers and General public, access to his repertoire of close interaction with the people and Government of the diverse, 54 member nations of the common wealth, spread across the six continents of the globe.

“The centre houses a museum that exhibits cultural artefacts from Nigeria, Africa and multiracial common wealth countries.It also has a library of books and materials, which include some of the personal papers of Chief Anyaoku, from his days in office, as Secretary General of Common Wealth of Nations.

“Our mission is to promote the study and practice of democracy, management of diversity in Nigeria and Africa, respect for human right and climate change. It also assists the education of the underprivileged children in Nigeria,” he explained.

Earlier, traditional ruler of Obosi, HRM, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, who broke the kola nut and prayed God to continue to protect and guide Anyaoku in all his undertakings, expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the centre in Obosi.

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, (Ike Obosi), described Chief Anyaoku (Adazie Obosi) as the eldest Ndichie of Obosi community who has made the community proud.

Chief Chidoka added that “by this singular act, Adazie has placed Obosi on the global map of historic preservation.

On his part, President General of Obosi community, Chief Chimezie Obiajie expressed satisfaction that since his assumption of office in August 2023, Obosi has been peaceful. 

“Everybody who knows Obosi too well should know that for the past eight years, there has never been any Christmas celebration without kidnapping, robbery, and gunshots except this last Christmas celebration,” he disclosed.

Director of the foundation, Miss Oluchi Nguzoro, said that Anyoku resolved to locate the centre in Obosi because of the love he has for his community.

“Chief, said this is a legacy he wants people to love and value education. 90 per cent of the workers here are from Obosi, she said.

Personalities who graced the occasion included, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’, former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Owen Nwokolo, Igwe Pharmacist Alex Oyido of Ogidi, among others.